We know a lot about hearing aids at Mobility Compare. We know about recent technological developments – our favourite being Siemens Nitro BTE range (watch this space) – as well as more mundane matters such as how much a hearing aid costs to manufacture and whether the various warranties are worth the paper they’re written on.

We also know, from health insiders, that hearing aids have seen an upward tick in demand for one key reason: many people play their MP3’s too loud. It’s not just youngsters either, but people of all ages – even Grandpa playing Bach on his old CD system.

It’s a shame because as people get older, it takes more and more work to stay fit and healthy. The last thing people need is to create more problems for themselves, especially when they are so easily preventable.

For this reason, the staff at Mobility Compare feel moved to tip their caps the way of the RNID (Royal National Institute for Deaf People) who recently ran Noise Action Week in the Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea. Anyone who knows this area will tell you that it’s full of Sloanes, landed aristocracy, Prince William and Harry on wild nights out and, of course, rich bankers.

Whilst many people would be tempted to turn the volume on a rich banker’s MP3 to the max, and then gaffer tape it for good measure, Mobility Compare couldn’t countenance such action. We think a swift Club to the back of the head is far more humane and, well, swift. We jest of course.

Getting back on topic: Noise Action Week offered free hearing checks to anyone who asked, especially young people. Not only that, but people had their MP3’s examined to gauge for suitable noise levels.

Given that some MP3’s can reach volumes in excess of 100dB – the same as a pneumatic drill at close range or a jet fighter taking off – then it’s no surprise that people’s hearing is being threatened. In fact, continued exposure over 85 decibels can lead to permanent hearing loss and many people play their iPods at well over this limit.

From what we gather from the RNID, the week went extremely well and the charity is planning to roll out the venture in some of the UK’s larger cities using ‘Don’t Lose The Music’ squads.

Given that many people have to fit hearing aids needlessly –simply because they played their music too loud and for too long – we think the RNID’s actions are worthy in the extreme. Good luck from the Mobility Compare team.